“I am thrilled to continue our covenant as pastor and congregation in a full-time setting. I’m looking forward to the ways God will continue to call us to share love, do justice, and build community,” said Davis after the special called business meeting on August 25.

Davis is the first woman called as Pastor of Ravensworth in its 60 years of ministry. She has served in a half-time shared pastoral position alongside Ravensworth’s long-time pastor Rev. Dr. Steve Hyde since September 2017 and she and her family have been members since 2014. Hyde will retire on October 31, 2019.

Chair of Ravensworth’s Leadership Council,
Brian Hall said, “We look forward with excitement and hope as we mark a new
beginning with Pastor Leah’s care, accomplishments, and leadership. We know
that Ravensworth and Leah, as church and pastor, will continue to follow God’s
call together.”

In additional to her pastoral role, Davis is
an adjunct faculty member at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in
Arlington, Va., where she teaches preaching and biblical studies in the Diploma
Program. She previously served at the Alliance of Baptists as communications
specialist (2013-2017), and at Calvary Baptist Church, Washington, D.C., as
Associate Pastor (2008-2013). She graduated in May 2017 with a Doctor of
Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, focused on
Baptist women preaching the Magnificat, which was published as Believe the Women in 2019. Her seminary
studies were conducted at Baylor’s Truett Seminary where she received a Master
of Divinity degree in 2007. She graduated from Baylor University in 2004 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Religion.

Leah resides in Bristow, Va., with her husband
John and two daughters, ages six and four.

About
Ravensworth Baptist Church

We are a progressive Baptist congregation that
constantly seeks to be responsive to the movement of the Spirit to establish
justice, peace, and the reign of God “on earth, as it is in heaven.” We are a
welcoming and affirming congregation. Our church vision is to share love, do
justice, and build community. You are welcome here!

Saturday, August 24, 5:00 P.M at RBC Come and join this kick-off party for any and all who might be interested in singing in our Christmas program this year. The “Christmas in August” party is set for Saturday, August 24 at 5 pm in the church fellowship room, where we will gather for a time of food, fellowship, and previewing our Christmas music. Please plan to attend, bringing your favorite Christmas dish to share as

part of our potluck dinner. Drinks and a main dish will be provided. You are encouraged to bring your favorite side dishes, vegetables, breads, salads, and desserts. To make it a fun evening, wear something Christmas-y, whether it is a necklace, earrings, a tie, scarf, or your favorite/ugliest, oh-so-itchy Christmas sweater! And, please bring your spouse, significant other and anyone else who might be interested in singing with us this year. As is our custom, we will have several rehearsals on Saturdays and/or Sundays to make it possible for our community singers to join us. I’ll have the full rehearsal calendar to share with you at our party on August 24. The Christmas program is scheduled for Sunday, December 15 at 3 pm. I can hardly wait to see you and begin planning for Christmas music this season! Please RSVP to let Phil know if you can come on the 24th, or if you may be able to join us for the December 15 program.